Paper Diamond: Wavesight EP Review

Published: May 8, 2012

By: Jordan Calvano

Alex Botwin (Paper Diamond) has been doing his thing these last few years. The Boulder based producer, who also heads Elm & Oak records, is an all out gunslinger when it comes to unloading clock stopping soundscapes from his massive collection of fully loaded, bass filled double barrels.

He has crafted a sound that is incredibly unique, yet still perfectly exemplifies the music that is being unleashed from his respective movement. This is defined by a charismatic hip-hop mentality that combines so well with Botwin’s soulful bass lines and energetic drum patterns, which are like instant remedies to anyone tuned in. This aesthetic detail is ubiquitous on Levitate, released last year via Pretty Lights Music and Elm & Oak, and on definitive remixes of critically acclaimed artists like Kanye West, The Weeknd, and SBTRKT.

On Wavesight, released by Diplo’s monumental record label Mad Decent, Botwin takes a gigantic leap in his ongoing quest for world domination with a set of limitless tunes that are hotter than the inside of an active volcano.

“Turn the Lights Off” kicks in immediately with a series of confident, dubby bass lines which layer perfectly under the sensual vocals of Nasimiyu, and is a steezy summer anthem that will have any listener riding with the windows down on all their bass filled summer adventures. This is the first of several collaborations to be released by Botwin, who has been working with a laundry list of talented vocalists, producers, and hip-hop artists.

“Can We Go Up” has been floating through the speakers of many avid Paper Diamond fans these last few months, but finally gets its official release in a big way. It’s a tumultuous banger that features eccentric synth lines and catchy vocals that eventually transition into a slowed down, dubbed out drop that is unlike most songs from PD.

“AirLift” is an instant classic that contains vicious instrumentations along with a slew of mouth watering high-pitched rhythms, which will remind listeners of eclectic tracks from Paper Diamond’s debut release.

Wavesight is a speaker surging release that will move any crowd immersed in its contagious sound waves and delicious vocal bursts. Be sure to catch Botwin tearing up the summer circuit at riotous festivals across America like Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, Starscape, and Symbiosis.